Summary
Thunderboltsdirector Jake Schreier revealed the unexpected Pixar film that inspired his upcoming MCI movie. One scene from the Pixar film, in particular, seemingly encapsulates the dynamic between theThunderboltscharacters.
Thunderboltscenters on a team comprised of some of the MCU’s most memorable anti-heroes: Sebastian Stan’s Bucky Barnes, Florence Pugh’s Yelena Belova, David Harbour’s Red Guardian, Wyatt Russell’s John Walker/US Agent, Olga Kurylenko’s Taskmaster, Hannah John-Kamen’s Ghost, and newcomer Lewis Pullman’s Sentry. Because they are forced to work together on a dangerous mission,Thunderboltshas often been compared toThe Suicide Squadmovies. However, those involved withThunderbolts*have compared the film to the more unexpected movies, with Schreier recently citing a devastating scene from a Pixar classic as a source of inspiration.
Thunderbolts* Director Compares The MCU Movie To Toy Story 3
During an interview withEmpire, films such asQuentin Tarantino’sReservoir Dogs,Ronin, and Tom Cruise’sMission: Impossible - Ghost Protocolwere mentioned as influences onThunderbolts*. The arguably common thread between these films andThunderbolts*is that they involve a group of mismatched characters forced to work together. However,Schreier noted thatThunderbolts*is also influenced byToy Story 3. While this may be a surprising comparison considering theThunderbolts*characters wouldn’t be most people’s first choice to step up as heroes, Schreier explained that the upcoming MCU film andToy Story 3"all have that dynamic of a team that is thrown together." WhileThunderbolts*andToy Story 3may be different genres of films, Schreier noted that they both involve characters facing “obsolescence” and referred to the Pixar film’s memorable but heartbreaking incinerator scene:
That [furnace] sequence works so well because you’ve come to care about these characters so much/ Can they get out of the trash can together?
EachThunderboltsteam member has been an antagonist in their respective MCU films. Schreier noted that the characters will grapple with their past actions and thatThunderboltssomewhat explores issues such as mental health. However, Schreier explained thatThunderbolts*addresses how some “darkness” within cannot be fixed but “made lighter” through connecting with others:
You’re talking about a group of characters that have done a lot of bad things, and maybe are struggling with feeling good about themselves. There’s an element that does speak to mental health, and loneliness, and how some of the darkness that we experience in our lives can’t be necessarily fixed, but can only really be made lighter through connection and finding others.
This is not the first time someone has comparedThunderboltsto an unexpected movie.Sebastian Stan previously comparedThunderboltstoThe Breakfast ClubandOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. AddingToy Story 3to the list of influences likely raises expectations forThunderbolts*, as all three films are regarded as classics. TheToy Story 3incinerator scene, in particular, is a bold sequence to bring up. The harrowing scene in question moved fans to tears, as many were convinced the Woody, Buzz, Jessie, and the other toys were doomed until a last-minute save by the Pizza Planet Aliens.
Thunderboltstest screening reactionswere reportedly overwhelmingly positive, so perhaps the comparisons toOne Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,andToy Story 3are apt. Marvel Studios is likely hoping for such a positive response toThunderboltsafterCaptain America: Brave New Worlddebuted to negative reviews and may not even break even at the office. Of course, making these bold comparisons could also raise the bar too high forThunderbolts*.
Thunderbolts*is scheduled to be released in theaters on May 26, 2025.
Thunderbolts*
Marvel’s Thunderbolts is a superhero movie based on the comic team of the same name. The movie is part of the MCU’s fifth phase of films. The film sees the likes of Bucky Barnes, Yelena Belova, Wyatt Russell, the Red Guardian, and more as an unlikely group of heroes and villains brought together to fight for good.
